By: Jake Bruder, Georgia Communications Volunteer
Last March when a tornado touched down in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, the town became the starting point for a pathway of loss and devastation caused by a powerful storm. When the weather cleared, residents emerged from their shelters and saw the horror. Word spread quickly across the country, eventually reaching the ears of Odell Lewis, who at the time, was at a Red Cross training event to learn about the function and use of emergency response vehicles (ERVs).
“Mississippi is my home state,” said Lewis. “I heard it mentioned after the class and asked what was going on. They asked for volunteers to deploy, and I said ‘yes!’”
The next day Lewis prepared his bags. In no time he was ready to respond with the Red Cross in support of recovery efforts in the region. He boarded a flight to Jackson, Mississippi, rented a car, and then made a short drive to his destination in Rolling Fork.
“We hit the ground running. As some of the first volunteers to get there, we set conditions and help get things going in the first day or two.”
This is far from Lewis’s first deployment, but he has seen enough to know that no two disasters are alike. Over the next two weeks, he spent a sizable portion of time supporting the distribution of emergency supplies (DES). Together with the team and a box truck, they went around distributing food, water, toiletries, and emotional support to those in need. Red Cross volunteers, and the resources they provide, came in from across the region to support the recovery efforts.
On the ground, it was easy to see why locals described the city as gone.
“The area we helped was not too big, maybe 20 miles, but there was lots of damage and almost nothing left,” said Lewis.
Lewis says many lost everything, and the destruction of infrastructure and houses creates challenges for recovery efforts. He described a huge need for volunteers and manpower. In some areas, that was the only way to get things to people and find out the full extent of loss or need. On top of that, word of mouth is essential during disasters when cell phones do not work, and even if they did - there is no power to charge them.
“It’s important to take time if needed to interact with those you meet,” said Lewis who explained that getting back to basics and just talking to people became the primary means of communicating. Especially, when it came time to get the word out, other mediums weren’t working.
Lewis went on to describe the important role of Red Cross volunteers: to be there for those who have been impacted and provide much-needed emotional support for those who have just lost a large piece of their life.
A picture may say a thousand words, but it does not compare to seeing the damage firsthand and watching how it impacts the community. When individuals and families return home after a disaster, there can be nothing left, and they recognize their life has taken a major turn. The shock and emotions that follow can feel overwhelming. In these moments, the smiling faces, personal interactions, and support from the Red Cross play a pivotal role. They serve as rocks in the storm, a foundation of safety and security. Volunteers relieve a piece of the burden and begin putting disaster victims on the road to recovery. A route that can be impossible to see amidst the surrounding destruction.
That is a key driver for Lewis and others like him who provide their services to the Red Cross. No two people’s stories or situations are the same. Even though the need for assistance is widespread, he was always available to speak to people. Human touch and compassion are critical characteristics of the Disaster Action Team (DAT) members. Despite the tragedy and hardship, Lewis and other Red Cross volunteers brought a piece of stability and certainty during an uncertain period.
“There’s still a need to help,” said Lewis. “Throughout my deployment, I’ve been talking to another volunteer on the other end of where the tornado hit. Volunteers from all over are helping across the entire affected area.”
After two weeks of helping in Rolling Fork, Lewis returned to Georgia. Even though his deployment is over, Lewis keeps the recovery efforts in the back of his mind while he continues his service to the community locally.
Within a week of returning, he was called again to provide his DAT expertise to a large apartment fire. When asked if he had a message for those new or curious about the Red Cross, Lewis offered a few words.
“Your help is needed with the Red Cross,” he said firmly. “Once I had an experience helping others I didn’t want to leave. Give it a try, see if it’s for you. The Red Cross can use your skills and your help.”
Interested in becoming a member of a volunteer Disaster Action Team (DAT)? These volunteers provide emotional support, financial assistance, and information to help families begin the process of recovery. All training is provided and through volunteer experience, you will develop skills that you may apply to larger-scale disaster response efforts with the Red Cross. Visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/disaster-action team.html to discover detailed information on the program and how to get involved with your local Red Cross team.
For general information on the Red Cross and local volunteer activities, or to make a donation to support recovery efforts and other Red Cross missions, please visit https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our work/disaster-relief/tornado-relief.html
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